Dolly Parton Remembers Burt Reynolds: ‘I Will Always Love You’

Dolly Parton turned to social media on Thursday (Sept. 6) after learning of the death of actor Burt Reynolds, sharing a sweet tribute to her friend and co-star.

According to reports, Reynolds died in a Florida hospital on Thursday morning after suffering a heart attack.

"Oh how sad I am today along with Burt‘s millions of fans around the world as we mourn one of our favorite leading men," Parton writes. "I know we will always remember his funny laugh, that mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and his quirky sense of humor. You will always be my favorite sheriff, rest in peace my little buddy and I will always love you, Dolly."

Parton and Reynolds starred opposite one another in the 1982 film version of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and she accompanied her tribute with a still photo from the film.

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Parton plays Mona Stangley in the film. Stangley runs a brothel called the Chicken Ranch in a small town in Texas, and she has had a longterm affair with the local sheriff, Ed Earl Dodd, whom Reyolds portrayed. The pair even teamed for a duet in the film titled "Sneakin' Around," which Parton contributed to the soundtrack along with a shortened version of her signature hit, "I Will Always Love You."

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas opened at No. 1 at the box office and earned nearly $70 million during its theatrical run. Parton received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical) for her performance in the film.

Reba McEntire also starred opposite Reynolds in a 1993 made-for-TV film titled The Man From Left Field. She paid tribute to the actor on Thursday, sharing a picture of them together and writing, "My good friend has started a new journey. Rest in my peace my friend. I’ll never forget the wonderful times we spent together."

Reynolds' other ties to country music included a country solo album that he released in 1973 titled Ask Me What I Am, which was co-produced by 1960s and '70s country star Bobby Goldsboro. Jerry Reed starred alongside Reynolds in 1977's Smokey and the Bandit, and scored one of his biggest hits with "East Bound and Down," the film's main theme.